Craftsman Lawn Mower 7.0 Troubleshooting

A Sears-brand Craftsman lawn mower relies on many moving parts all working in concert in order to function. A 7.0-horsepower Craftsman lawn mower that is not functioning optimally requires troubleshooting so that the problem can be found and corrected. The procedures require household tools and supplies from a hardware store, and is similar for all gasoline-powered Craftsman models. No special electrical or mechanical skills are needed, although a partial disassembly of the mower will be necessary.

Things You'll Need

Wood block

Paper towel

Replacement lawn mower blade

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Place the Craftsman lawn mower on its side so that the adjustment lever next to one of the bottom wheels is facing up. Insert a wood block between the blade and the mower's inside edge for safety.

Squeeze the adjuster lever with one hand. Pull the wheels, using the other hand, away from the mower to increase the cutting ability for high grass; push the wheels toward the mower to increase the cutting ability for low grass.

Release the lever. Remove the wood block. Right the mower.

Cleaning Air Filter

Disconnect the spark plug connector wire from the top of the spark plug on the Craftsman lawn mower. Place the mower on its side so that the air filter assembly faces up.

Rotate the air filter assembly counterclockwise to loosen it from the mower. Pull the air filter assembly out from the mower. Pull off the cover cap from the top of the assembly.

Pull the air filter out of the assembly with your hands. Wash the air filter beneath a stream of tap water to remove contaminants choking the flow of air through the filter. Let the filter air-dry.

Wipe out the inside of the air filter assembly with a water-moistened paper towel. Let the assembly air-dry.

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Return the air filter into the assembly. Replace the cap. Return the air filter assembly into its compartment on the mower. Rotate the assembly clockwise to tighten it in position.

Replacing Dull Blade

Remove the spark plug connector wire from the top of the Craftsman lawn mower. Turn the mower on its side so that the air filter compartment faces up. Place a wood block between the mower blade and the side of the mower.

Rotate the blade bolt counterclockwise to remove it. Remove the blade from the mower's crankshaft. Remove the bolt, lock washer and hardened washer from the end of the bolt. Remove the bolt from the blade.

Place the bolt on the replacement blade. Place the blade on the crankshaft in the same position as that of the original. Replace the lock washer and hardened washer to the bolt.

Align the two holes on the blade with the raised lugs in the mower. Tighten the blade bolt to lock it in position.

Remove the wood block. Right the mower and reattach the spark plug connector wire.